Pupils from a Wrexham secondary school had the chance to practice at the training grounds of one of Europe’s top clubs during a trip to Spain.
Future sporting stars from Ysgol Bryn Alyn in Gwersyllt, had the opportunity to train at Ciudad Real Madrid (Real Madrid City) at Valdebabas, Spain – the training complex used by Real Madrid.
The school visited the training grounds early in October.
Andy Jones, Head of Health and Well-being faculty at Bryn Alyn, organised the trip with Inspiresport, a Cardiff-based company which provides sports developments tours to grounds across Europe to organisations such as clubs and schools.
More than 40 Bryn Alyn pupils across Years 8, 9, 10 and 11 took part in the trip.
“Difficult to win out there”
Mr Jones said: “You have the opportunity to spend a week out there and you’re training every morning. You get to use their facilities and the coaches there, and you’re put through some of the training exercises that the first team go through.”
They also had the chance to play against a local Spanish side the Moratalaz Academy, winning two of their three games.
Mr Jones said: “Some of the pupils we had with us play for youth teams like Brymbo and Penycae, but there are some who don’t play regularly – so this was a really good opportunity for all of them.
He added: “It’s difficult to win out there – it’s a different game, a lot more fast-paced with limited contact.”
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